Are there "too old" of horns to work with?

[Bass]

My great grandfather gave my dad an old cows horn when I was much too young to understand much of anything. Anyways he has since passed (along with a lot of info on many topics I'm sure ) and while going through some old boxes I found the horn again. I use to steal it and run around the backyard with it like a trumpet having a great time with it. I thought it would be a nice tribute to make it into a powder horn to use instead of letting it sit in the closet until it gets broken. While looking it over it appears to be in rather good shape with some minor flaking, and some pitting. It also has had a hole carved out of the point already. Do you think this thing could be worked into a basic powder horn, or could it be too old?

 

[paulvallandigham]

I have a horn that dates back to the early 19th century that came from an antique store. It had been repaired, badly about 90 years ago. The repair failed. I had a well-known horner repair the horn and make a better plug for it. The horn is an exquisite example of primitive American folk art. You can see where the horn had been longer, before the first repair, because some of the carved letters and characters are cut off by the " new " edge. My expert horner is the man who told me how old it was, and I have trusted his judgment. I use the horn to carry additional powder for my shotgun when I am at a trap range. It always gets looks when I take it anywhere. Most people have never seen nor handled an original horn of any age.

 

[omarick1948]

Bass,
I am a Horner and have many, many powder horns and other horn work under my belt. I also own a small collection of original horns and have repaired several. I am not an expert, or claim to be, as it seems that the world is already filled to the brim with experts in any interest!

Old horns are usually all very brittle and can be damaged very easily during well intentioned repair or general daily use. I suggest, that you make yoursel a stand or wall plaque and display that horn, as it is a family heirloom from your grandfather and your childhood. I think that will make you happier that using it and possibily breaking it in the future. Besides,there are other newer horns available for what you want to use "Grandpa's" horn for! Give it several coatings of a good paste wax and save the ORIGNAL MEMORIES.

Rick Froehlich